How much is it?

To get each ear pierced, the average price is going to range from $5 to as much as $25. The cost will depend on the retailer/professional, if jewelry will be included and the number of piercings you need at once. Some retailers, such as Claire’s, will do it for free if you purchase a starter kit, which retails for about $25.

To get both ears pierced, a company may include a special discount. This price range will vary from $15 to $100+.

To get more than 2 piercings in one sitting, the price will vary from $5+ per ear.

Ear piercing types

Anti-tragus: Similar to the tragus, it will be done on the outer side of the ear, the opposite of the ear’s tragus.

Auricle: This piercing is pierced through the middle part of the outer rim of the ear.

Conch: A conch piercing will puncture through the cartilage, and there are two types available: the inner and outer.

Daith: Done on the innermost cartilage fold, this piercing will pass through the ear’s cartilage, similar to the tragus piercing, but the position will be different.

Double lobe piercing: As the name states, this is a double piercing in the earlobe. One piercing will be placed in the standard area, while the other will be placed a pinch higher. With this piercing, some opt to include a stud or ring.

Forward Helix: Similar to the helix, this will be positioned near the upper part of the ear, but it will be in the inner part of the ear.

Graduate Lobe: This is a combination of three piercings which gradually go up the lower lobe of the ear.

Helix: This piercing will be done at the upper and outer part of the ear.

Industrial: A variation of the two helix piercings, this is done by placing two holes in the upper and in the inner and outer part of the ear.

Rook: This unique piercing is done by perforating a hole on the upper inner part of the ear.

Snug: A snug piercing is in the inner ear, adjacent to a helix piercing. It may also be referred to as an anti-helix.

Standard lobe piercing: This is the most original piercing. The earlobe will be the softest part of the ear and will cause the least amount of pain.

Tragus: The term “tragus” comes from the tragus of the ear, which is the smaller flap of cartilage over the earlobe.

Transverse: This is done by piercing horizontally at an angle rather than directly into the ear.

What are the extra costs?

Most of the time, jewelry will have to be purchased afterward. Jewelry, such as earrings, can range anywhere from $10 to $200+ depending on the type of jewelry. Claires.com has a guide on what their earrings cost in their store. For example, they have a 3mm ball made of 14kt yellow gold that retails for $36.50.

Tips to know:

When considering getting your ears pierced, make sure that you research the company. Doing a quick search online can yield some good results in terms of reviews as well as how clean the company is. Oftentimes, it may best to choose a local professional who specializes in piercings rather than the big retailers.

Once your ears are pierced, plan on rubbing the newly pierced area with rubbing alcohol for a few days. Be sure to avoid touching the area. The entire healing process can take up to eight weeks.

Be sure to check the earring each and every morning to ensure that it isn’t becoming infected or tangled with the ear.

Be sure to change your pillowcases before going to bed so no bacteria is present on your old sheets.